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Will Regulators Penalize Fox-Disney Deal Over Sports?

Proposed deal would combine ESPN with Fox’s local sports channels, making Disney a sports behemoth

By

Elizabeth Winkler

Updated Dec. 13, 2017 5:45 p.m. ET

With viewers turning to streaming video, sports has come to dominate traditional TV. In 2005, sports accounted for 14 of 100 most viewed broadcasts. In 2015, it was 93 out of 100, according to MoffettNathanson.

That is one reason behind a potential 21st Century Fox-Disney deal, which is expected to be announced Thursday. And it is one reason why regulators could frown on such an agreement.